Central Asian Profile

Central Asia – ‘the least reached region’

Firstly, what do we mean by Central Asia? The Turkic- and Persian-speaking peoples encompass an area stretching from Southern Russia to Pakistan and from Turkey across to north-west China. This region of Greater Central Asia accounts for half a billion of the world’s population. If we narrow it down to the former Soviet Central Asia, we are really talking about the countries of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

What unites these countries is that they are Muslim states run by post-communist regimes. Their people are not devout in their adherence to orthodox Islam, preferring a more pragmatic folk Islam.

When the Iron Curtain collapsed in the early 1990s, a door was opened for workers to meet the very real needs of the people and, at the same time, share the gospel. Churches quickly sprang up over the region, as Tajiks, Uzbeks and others turned to the Lord. However, the political mood changed again and mission workers found themselves persona non grata (not welcome). Turkmenistan was the first to expel mission workers, followed closely by Uzbekistan.

Protestant denominations have always been present despite opposition and repression. Following more than two decades of relative freedom for gospel work, there has been fruit. Churches look very different – some are big, some are small, some sit down to sing while others stand, some are in Russian and others use the local language.

Persecution of the church in Central Asia comes from two directions, and we we might identify three main motives behind persecution…[end of sample extract]

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Why not run a Central Asian mission event?

Sandwiched between Europe and Asia, but not firmly in either, this region has all but fallen from the gaze of the world and, more worryingly, the view of the Church. At 1/2 billion people, less than 1/2% of whom are Bible believing Christians – Central Asia is the least reached region of the world. But YOU can start to make a difference today – and one way you can do that is by holding a mission event at your church to raise awareness of Central Asia. How much do you / or your church know about the Stans? In our experience, folk are fascinated to hear about the likes of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan etc. and what God is doing in this largely forgotten region of the world.

We are flexible and will work with you to design an event that will work best for your church – everything from a fairly typical mission presentation, through to something quite different, depending on your church and your objectives. A ‘Central Asian evening’ involving a Central Asian meal, plus a creative introduction to their culture etc. has proved to be a popular event.

On a different tack, our UK director John, amongst others, can speak on a variety of mission related subjects. For example, on current challenges, future trends, why we still need to send missionaries (not only train locals), and why he doesn’t use the phrase the ‘persecuted church’!

To discuss the possibility of holding some form of mission event, call us on 01892 545509 and ask for John or Marcus. Alternatively, get in touch at [email protected]

Would you consider a collection for Gospel needy Central Asia?

Are you looking to make a gift to a unreached people group, or a strategically needy and largely forgotten region of the world? Central Asia certainly meets those criteria. Will you consider Central Asia for your Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas collections?

There are a range of aspects to our mission work and ministry, depending on where and how you want to use your gift… These include, for example;

Church planting

Evangelism

Bible translation (and other Christian resources)

Church Leadership training

Discipleship

A bible & mission training college in Tatarstan – equipping students for Gospel ministry as they return to their homelands across Central Asia

Gospel media

Community projects – e.g. humanitarian work among the Syrian refugees, a specialist centre for Autistic children, a women’s refuge

For an initial chat, call us on 01892 545509 and ask for John or Marcus. Alternatively, get in touch at [email protected]

July 7 @ 10:00 am - 11:15 am

July 14 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

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People International – Central Asian Mission

In a sense People International are involved in supporting every area of the church’s ministry across Central Asia. There are many things that we take for granted in the UK: Bible colleges, books and Bibles not to mention free access to excellent healthcare and education that were founded by the church many years ago. Our role is not only to establish churches but to enable them to grow to maturity and be fruitful.
We also work in partnership with Eurasian Ministries - a Mission College in Kazan, Tatarstan - training Central Asians for Gospel Ministry.

People International charity number is: 280036

Please note: some names and photos of places and people may be changed for security reasons.